Shirin M.

About Shirin M.

As a first-generation immigrant raised as a teenager in Texas, my journey in international entrepreneurship has been anything but conventional. From an early age, I honed my sales and negotiation skills, paving the way for a unique career trajectory in sales and fundraising. Championing diversity initiatives has been a cornerstone of my professional ethos, allowing me to collaborate across diverse communities and enrich my perspective.Over the past two decades, I have worked on various projects as a project manager/director. In the recent few years, I have collaborated with seven regions for fundraising and sponsorship goals. My commitment to continuous learning has been pivotal in navigating various roles and industries, driving my professional growth and success.As a Senior Officer at the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), I contributed to strategic planning for sponsorships, forged key business partnerships, and spearheaded program expansion initiatives. My role also involves facilitating the design of efficient workflows and processes, ensuring seamless alignment across regional teams to deliver sponsorship engagements successfully.Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply involved in community leadership, mentoring emerging talents and seasoned professionals. By supporting environmental and sustainability goals, I aim to contribute to developing and empowering individual ecosystems to build a more prosperous people and planet future.I am looking to leverage my diverse skill set and experiences to drive positive change and create meaningful impact on both local and global scales. Let\'s connect and explore opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and make a difference together.

Experience

1. General Manager

   Diamonds Direct

   Feb 2026 — Present

   Responsible for the overall operations and success of strategic initiatives for assigned store(s).Financial1. Participates in the development and execution of initiatives with regard to the sales budget2. Responsible for the Gross Profit % goal set for the store3. Responsible for layaway management and goals with regard to the safe and collecting payment within the appropriate time frame4. Responsible for meeting company standards, goal and direction with regard to discounting product5. Ensure store data capture goals are being achieved6. Maintain appropriate business controls (inventory, requests for stock replenishment, repairs, returns, etc.)Leadership1. Remain current and knowledgeable of industry trends to determine strategic opportunities to maximize sales within2. the market3. Manage day-to-day store operations including supervision, stang coverage, opening and closing and customer4. experience5. Partner with sales professionals in the administration of special order requests6. Train and support sales professionals to achieve their targets7. Coach and develop store team and sales professionals8. Oversee implementation and achievement of KPIsCustomer Experience1. Facilitate special events held at the store to ensure success2. Maintain visual presentation of the store to meet company vision and market needs3. Present a luxury environment that is warm and hospitable and ensure that visual guidelines are being metSoftware management 1. CRM System2. Workday HR management platformCreate and maintain an environment that is motivational, fun, energetic, warm with a family-like atmosphereBrand management: Tacori, Verragio, Simon G, Grandview Klein, Mastoloni, and others. Under the Signet brands, Diamonds Direct is part of a 2600 operational stores corporation, with a combined annual sales of $6.7 billion

Education

• Aga Khan Foundation

  Certificate for Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Art, Sustainability Studies

• East Texas A&M University

  Master's degree, Management

  2018

• The Catholic University of America

  Vatican Seal Certification, Catholic Social Doctrine for Professionals

  2019 — 2019

• United Nations Sustainable Development Group

  United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

• John Hopkins

  Business Analytics

• Forage-Boston Consultancy Group

  Design Virtual Experience Program, Marketing/Marketing Management, General

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

  A.J.P, Diamond, Colored Gems and Jewelry

  2012 — 2012

• Harvard Extension School

  Certification, International Relations and Affairs

  2020 — 2023

• Harvard University

  Certificate, Religion, Conflict and Peace

• Fortbend Chamber of Commerce

  Certificate, Leadership

• Harvard Kennedy School

  Certificate CPV-Creating Public Value, Leadership

• UNDP United Nations Development Programme

  Ecosystem Restoration, Nature for development